Exclusive: Steve Round is top contender for Coventry City role

Steve Round is a top contender to be the new sporting director at Coventry City, sources have told Football Insider.

Round, 54, has been out of work since his surprise Arsenal exit last summer (2023).

He served as Mikel Arteta’s number two in the dugout but also has previous director of football experience.

Round served as technical director in a solid two-year spell with Aston Villa between 2016 and 2018.

He has a wealth of coaching experience after his time with David Moyes at Everton and Man United – as well as under Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough and England.

It is believed Coventry are also considering head of recruitment Dean Austin, who was appointed in December 2022, as an internal candidate for the role.

Ex-Arsenal coach Round and Dean Austin top contenders for Coventry role

Sky Blues owner Doug King confirmed earlier this month that he plans to install a sporting director at the CBS Arena.

Coventry have concluded their search for a new manager following Mark Robins’ departure, with Football Insider exclusively revealing on Friday (22 November) that Frank Lampard has reached a full agreement to take the hot seat.

Lampard’s appointment is set to be announced after the Sky Blues take on Sheffield United on Saturday (23 November).

Coventry sit 17th in the Championship table after winning just four of their 15 league games this season.

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Coventry City player ratings from CoventryLive as Sky blues reporter Andy Turner hands out the scores from today’s match with Sheffield United

Coventry City battled back from behind twice to get a hard-fought point against joint Championship leaders Sheffield United in a feisty affair a the CBS Arena.

Norman Bassette cancelled out Tyrese Campbell’s opener in the first half when the Blades increased their lead from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi before having a man send off. But a sustained second half fight-back against ten men was rewarded 10 minutes from time when Bobby Thomas headed home the second equaliser of the day from a corner.

City came flying out of the blocks with some exciting and determined attacking play but that positive start came crashing down when they were hit by the Blades’ first attack, with Gus Hamer feeding Jesurun Rak-Sakyi who raced down the right and sent in a square ball to the six yard box where Tyrese Campbell slotted home to give the visitors the lead in the 13th minute.